Neither a mystic nor alone a romantic dreamer

Mr S D Sharma, who is the famous art critic of The Tribune observes about Rajbir Deswal, receipient of Lakhmi Chand Award :“Very few of us , even blessed with a rational , ethical, aesthetic mind and sensibility, have their intellect, spirit and the life impulse –all functioning at the highest pitch and working in the closet collaboration to create wonders in their chosen realm of art or profession. Neither a mystic nor alone a romantic dreamer the well read and village fed Rajbir Deswal is a blend of numerous traits that of a prolific author, columnist, artist, administrator, police super cop of International recognition. Since he had been all, along maintaining his tradition of excellence in his profession and the passion of a prolific author Rajbir Deswal , presently DIG ( CID) Haryana, can not be designated with a single sobriquet.
He was an obvious choice for the prestigious Lakhmi Chand Samman- 2009-10 instituted by the Haryana Sahitya Akademy his contribution for promotion of pristine Haryanvi culture to a larger segment through his half a dozen books in English and articles. The award carries a citation, shawl memento and a cash prize of One lac rupees. The universality of Rajbir Deswal does not lie in being a Haryanvi but in the genius that enabled him to describe the Haryanvi Soul with which all human beings can identify with.
His columns like Humour from HaryAna , Sunta Jayiye , Tharhi Mahari Sab ki Baat, , mainly middles, Meri England Yatra a in Hindi and English newspapers had a receptive readership. His book “ Culture- Bright and Dark ( 1992), edited by Chander Koumdi offers a deep and authentic insight into the Haryanvi pastoral life , cultural ethos, rituals, customs and changing trends. However his maiden literary venture “ Wit and Humour of Haryana ” reviewed and commended by legendary Khushwant Singh got sold like hot cakes (over 15000 copies sold in a week). The author virtually translated the richly rustic humour of Haryana which was received with remarkable approbation and established the credentials of a super police cop as a prolific writer with a vision and impulse.
Like any other child prodigy he used to sculpt raw poetry while studying at the St. Theresa’s convent at Karnal which merely reflected his childhood memories spent at his native village Anta near Jind. But Deswal’s meaningful exposition of Haryana culture began about 30 years back with his articles “ Baratis of Haryna “ and “ Haryana ka Bateu ” in the Indian Express and Dainik Tribune. His books “ Latke Jhatke” provide an insight into the profound depths of on vibrant and boisterous Haryanvi humour and Taron ke Jungle, an anthology of 23 poems he scripted was inspired by Atal Behari Bajpayee’s “Meri ekavan kavitayen”.
The latest book being “ Holypol” , compilation of his middles, published at a prime space in national dailies like The Tribune, The Hindustan Times, Indian Express and the Pioneer newspapers. It’s richly fraught with logical , philosophical and literary content; all these middles have been appreciated by the naïve, connoisseurs and critics as the most concise yet with elaboration of thought which stamps the versatility and creative potential of Rajbir Deswal. However his other traits that of an accomplished singer and an Urdu ghazal and lyricist have yet to come to the fore. Just sample his latest but captivating couplet from a ghazal ““ Aaj gustakh huyi jaati hai kyon baade naseem, kya kisi shokh ki zulfon se lipat ayi hai/Woh hein zaalim ke meharbaan mein yeh kaise poochhun,meri himmat ne bikrne ki kasam khayi hai ””